Exciting midfielder Johann Sadie will make his debut for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday after being named in the side that will play the Cheetahs in a friendly match in the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The 22 year old has joined the Vodacom Bulls from the Stormers and Western Province late last year and has been working hard during pre-season with his new team. He now gets a chance to show his worth to Ludeke, who named a starting team consisting of 11 Springboks.
World Cup attendees Morné Steyn, Francois Hougaard and Chiliboy Ralepelle will all be in action for the first time since the Springboks quarterfinal exit from the World Cup.
Francois Venter and CJ Stander is the only players in the starting line-up without any Super Rugby experience.
“We are keen to see where we are at this stage of the season. The Cheetahs have had some game under the belt and will be a difficult opponent, just what we need now,” Ludeke said.
Ralepelle will captain the Vodacom Bulls, with Pierre Spies (calf) and vice captain Wynand Olivier (wrist) absent due to injury. Jacques Potgieter (back) was not considered.
The Vodacom Bulls team to play the Cheetahs in Polokwane is: Zane Kirchner*, Akona Ndungane*, Johann Sadie, Francois Venter, Bjorn Basson*, Morné Steyn*, Francois Hougaard*, CJ Stander, Dewald Potgieter*, Deon Stegmann*, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe*, Werner Kruger*, Chiliboy Ralepelle ©*, Dean Greyling*.
Replacements: Willie Wepener, Frik Kirsten, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Arno Botha, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouché, JJ Engelbrecht. (* denotes Springboks)
Sadie maak debuut vir Vodacom Bulls
Die opwindende senter, Johann Sadie, maak Saterdag sy debuut vir die Vodacom Bulls as dié span in Polokwane se Peter Mokaba-stadion teen die Cheetahs in ‘n vriendskaplike wedstryd speel.
Die 22-jarige agterspelers het hom einde verlede jaar vanaf die Stormers en Westelike Provinsie by die Vodacom Bulls aangesluit en oefen sederdien kliphard saam met sy nuwe spanmaats.
Hy kry nou kans om die harde werk op die oefenveld in spel uit te toets en terselfdertyd sy waarde aan afrigter Frans Ludeke te wys.
Ludeke het 11 Springbokke gekies. Morné Steyn, Francois Hougaard en Chiliboy Ralepelle, wat almal deel was van die Springbokke se Wêreldbekerveldtog, keer vir die eerste keer terug speelveld toe sedert hulle in die kwarteindronde dáár vasgel het.
Francois Venter en CJ Stander is die enigste spelers in die beginspan wat nie enige Super Rugby-ervaring het nie.
“Ons is gretig om onsself te meet en te sien waar ons op die vooraand van die seisoen staan. Die Cheetahs het reeds ‘n paar wedstryde gespeel en sal dus ‘n taai teenstander wees, maar dit is juis wat ons nou nodig het,” meen Ludeke.
Ralepelle sal die span aanvoer in die afwesigheid van Pierre Spies (kuit) en onderkaptein, Wynand Olivier (gewrig) wat weens beserings nie oorweeg is nie. Jacques Potgieter (rug) is ook krank.
Die Vodacom Bulls se span vir die wedstryd teen die Cheetahs in Polokwane is: Zane Kirchner*, Akona Ndungane*, Johann Sadie, Francois Venter, Bjorn Basson*, Morné Steyn*, Francois Hougaard*, CJ Stander, Dewald Potgieter*, Deon Stegmann*, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe*, Werner Kruger*, Chiliboy Ralepelle (k)*, Dean Greyling*.
Plaasvervangers: Willie Wepener, Frik Kirsten, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Arno Botha, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouché, JJ Engelbrecht. (* dui Springbokke aan)